Explainer: Why did Israel launch a strike on Doha?

Israel carried out an unprecedented airstrike in Qatar's capital, Doha, on Tuesday, targeting a building used by senior Hamas officials. Israeli authorities described it as an attempt to assassinate group leaders.

The strike occurred while Hamas negotiators were discussing a ceasefire proposal submitted by the United States. The strike quickly drew condemnation from Qatar, a key mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that hosts Hamas's political bureau, and from other countries and organizations, including Egypt, Jordan, and the Arab League.

What consequences will the attack cause? Why did Israel decide to strike in Doha? And could Qatar's role as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict be damaged?

Impact of the strike

According to Hamas sources, the group's leaders survived the attack, although several family members and aides of Hamas leaders were killed. Qatar's Interior Ministry confirmed that one security officer died and several others were wounded. 

The strike took place in Doha's diplomatic district, a crowded area surrounded by schools and homes. Residents expressed shock and fear after the strike.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a serious threat to the safety of Qatari citizens and residents.

 The attack prompted quick international condemnation. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the strike a "flagrant violation" of Qatar's sovereignty. "All parties must work toward achieving a lasting ceasefire, not destroying it."

Saudi Arabia also criticized what it called ongoing Israeli violations in the region, citing recent strikes in Syria's Homs and Latakia governorates as breaches of international law and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. 

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the Doha strike as "extremely dangerous, criminal and in violation of the UN Charter," stating it was part of Israel's "continued crimes" against international law.

Other countries and organizations, including Egypt, Jordan, Türkiye, and the Arab League, also hurried to condemn the Israeli attacks. 

Steven Wright, a professor at Qatar's Hamad Bin Khalifa University, told Xinhua that Israel's action was "shocking, reckless, and a flagrant violation of international law," portraying Israel as a "rogue state with no interest in peace."

Khalid Ahmed, an associate professor of political science at Qatar University, said that Israel, backed by the United States, continues to act like a "bully" indifferent to regional security, warning that "such hegemonic acts will only bring further instability to the region."

Why Doha?

Analysts believe that the strike aimed to target Hamas leaders, weaken their decision-making ability, and gain leverage in ceasefire negotiations. 

Kheir Diabat, a professor from Qatar University's International Affairs Department, told Xinhua that Israel sought to "eliminate Hamas and exclude them from the decision-making process, paving the way for a deal with a Palestinian side more willing to accept Israeli conditions."

Eyal Zisser, vice rector of Tel Aviv University and a Middle East affairs expert, said the strike aimed to "settle the account" with Hamas leaders, noting that Israel has vowed to punish everyone involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, no matter where they are.

Regarding the possible U.S. involvement in the strike, a White House official told Al Jazeera that Washington "was informed of the operation targeting Hamas officials in Qatar." The United States, which designated Qatar a major non-NATO ally, maintains close ties with Qatar.

Wright pointed out that all attention is now on Washington, and any U.S. decisions at this point will shape its future course and relationships in the region.

Qatar's mediator role under pressure

Qatar has long played a central role in mediating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, hosting Hamas offices and facilitating talks with multiple parties. However, the Doha strike has now strained both the country's security and diplomatic environment. 

Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said Tuesday that Qatar will take a "comprehensive" approach to respond to the Israeli strike on Doha earlier in the day and to deter future attacks.

Mediation on a ceasefire and prisoner exchange in Gaza will continue, but no talks are currently underway after Israel's Doha strike, he added. 

Analysts say the attack will increase pressure on Qatar's role as a mediator, though it is unlikely to abandon its efforts. Qatar's Foreign Ministry has pledged that it will not tolerate threats to the country's sovereignty and security.

Palestinian political analyst Hussam Al-Dajani told Xinhua that the strike could have serious legal and political consequences for Israel, noting that Qatar might use the incident to rally international support, leveraging diplomatic and legal channels to push for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2735, which calls for an end to the conflict and Israel's full withdrawal from Gaza.

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